Home improvement projects that add value

Bathrooms and Kitchens

Bathrooms and kitchens always appear at the top of the list when it comes to home improvements that add value to a house. But not every improvement in these spaces yields the best return. When planning for bathroom or kitchen renovations it is essential not only to look at the latest materials and products on offer, but also to consider eco-friendly or sustainable options and energy-saving or water-wise fittings.

Today’s home buyers and homeowners are looking towards more sustainable options in a house, options that not only look good but also have an impact on the carbon footprint of a property.

A bathroom kitted out with water-wise fittings and with an accessible layout will obviously offer a better return on investment and save on monthly water bills. Replace that old toilet with a modern dual-flush model and you’re already on the way. While a bathtub will always be considered a luxury in a master bathroom, replacing the tub with a modern shower in a second bathroom gains you more points on the path towards water-wise, especially when the shower is fitted with the latest low-flow showerhead.

Likewise, rather than replacing an old geyser or installing a second geyser to meet a growing family’s requirements, look at the energy-saving option for having a solar geyser fitted or have a geyser blanket fitted until such time that you can afford to outlay for solar power.

Local government and regulatory bodies continue to look at ways to cut down on energy usage and taking steps in this direction will not only yield a return on investment over time, but will ensure that a house is on par with whatever energy-saving regulations are enforced in the future.

In kitchens there are many ways to achieve not only a design that looks good but one that also features sustainable features and energy-saving appliances. When planning a kitchen renovation or revamp try to allow for replacing old appliances with modern energy efficient models. With our dwindling energy reserves any effort at cutting down on electricity usage is a move in the right direction.

As with bathrooms, swapping out old water fittings for more modern options, or replacing energy-sucking light fittings with LED or CFL alternatives, all these will create a kitchen that is more efficient and in line with the demand for reduce energy usage and a reduced carbon footprint.

Insulated living

Insulating a house tends to be at the bottom of the list when it comes to home improvements, but research shows that home insulation is quickly creeping up to feature as a home renovation that definitely yields a return on investment, and you will soon realise that any money spent on home insulation will be recovered over time as you save on monthly electrical bills.

With new property developments incorporating insulating techniques as the norm it makes sense and saves cents to ensure your home is up to date with home insulation trends. An insulated house is a comfortable home that requires little or no additional heating or cooling, either via installing ceiling or roof insulation, efficiency-graded windows, or adding on improvements that are designed and positioned to effectively use solar energy as a method to heat during the winter months, with efficient window coverings or solutions to keep a home cool during the summer.

Outdoor living

More emphasis is being placed on indoor-outdoor living and seamlessly integrating these environments to extend indoor living space and take advantage of our beautiful climate to spend more time outdoors. Adding on or improving outdoor living areas might not offer the same return investment value, but it will up your quality of living standards if it increases your floor space with the additional of a covered or walled-in entertainment area.

Article courtesy of EasyDIY

MORE DIY:

Craft organiser using recycled paint pots